Preview: The Cairo International Stadium is the venue for this intriguing clash between a pair of runners-up in their respective groups, as Uganda take on Senegal in the last-sixteen of the Africa Cup of Nations. This will be Senegal’s tenth experience of the knockout phase, which compares favourably to that of Uganda who will be competing at this stage of proceedings for only the third occasion. Neither are former champions, however.

Uganda Preview – The Cranes out to make life difficult?

If being drawn in a group alongside the tournament hosts wasn’t challenging enough, to then face the highest ranked nation at these finals in the very first knockout phase certainly will be. Therefore were they to go all the way to the final and win it (50/1 Betfair), it would certainly be hard-earned and thoroughly deserved. And based on how well they carried themselves in Group A, Uganda should not be dismissed lightly in this encounter.

Four points from games against DR Congo (W2-0), Zimbabwe (1-1) and Egypt (L2-0) may seem like a modest total but two of those sides – DR Congo (49) and Egypt (58) – were ranked significantly higher than The Ugandan Cranes (80) who were arguably deserving of a lot more from their contest with the hosts in particular, after creating twice as many scoring opportunities against the Egyptians.

Difficult to break down defensively; brave and fearless in committing numbers forwards for attacks. They’re an awkward opponent for anyone. It is therefore of little surprise they were enjoying a six-game unbeaten run (W2 D4) prior to the Egypt loss, which was also the first time the defence had been breached on more than one occasion in this period. The same defence which also kept a clean sheet in five of their six qualifying games. They’re 10/1 with SkyBet to win with a clean sheet here.

So while nobody is downplaying the size of the task at hand here, Uganda are nevertheless deserving of plenty of respect. Positive outcomes against Ivory Coast (W1-0) and Nigeria (0-0) in the past twelve months further highlights their newfound ability to genuinely compete against the continent’s finest.

Senegal Preview – Mane to lead by example again?

Boasting one of the strongest squads and all too aware that many were predicting them to end their long wait for a first Africa Cup of Nations title, Senegal were already under immense pressure before a ball was even kicked at these finals. That pressure will have felt even more acute ahead of facing Kenya in their final fixture in Group C knowing defeat could have seen them eliminated much earlier than anticipated.

In the end qualification was relatively comfortable. Kenya were dispatched 3-0, with a Mane masterclass going some way to atoning for what was a dreadful team performance in the preceding game with Algeria (L1-0). That loss was their first in almost a year and signaled the end of an impressive seven-game winning streak, which owed a lot to a defence which kept six clean sheets. Another Senegal WIN to NIL is 11/10 with Bet365.

The performance last time out may well have been more pleasing than the final result for coach Aliou Cisse, who would have demanded a reaction from his players following the early setback in the group. He certainly got that and then some. For his team to score three goals for the first time in eight games was timely to say the least, ahead of facing a stubborn opponent with an ominous defensive record.

Their captain in particular shone, with Mane at the heart of everything against Kenya. The Liverpool forward showed he had lost none of his self-belief to not only score twice – his first goals of this tournament – but also convert a late penalty despite having one saved earlier in proceedings. When Mane is in this sort of form, the Lions or Teranga are a much more formidable proposition. He is 7/2 with Betway to open the scoring.

Uganda V Senegal Key Facts:

In three previous meetings, Senegal are undefeated (W1 D2). All three produced under 2.5 goals with the most recent (in 2017) ending in a goalless draw.

Uganda qualified as runners-up in Group A (W1 D1 L1), behind Egypt who inflicted their only defeat. They were unbeaten in six matches prior (W2 D4).

Senegal qualified as runners-up in Group C (W2 D0 L1), behind Algeria who inflicted not only their first defeat in the tournament (losing 1-0) but also put an end to a ten-match unbeaten run (W9 D1).

Betting Summary

Uganda have played DR Congo (W2-0), Egypt (L0-2), Ivory Coast (W1-0) and Nigeria (0-0) in the past twelve months, all top African sides, and were only defeated on one occasion. Uganda or Draw in the Double Chance market (29/20) could be the best method of supporting the underdogs. The problem is, they also didn’t net too many times in those fixtures. That may not bode well ahead of facing arguably the continent’s leanest defence (Senegal have only conceded two goals in their past nine internationals).

Under 2.5 Goals would have been a winning bet in each of Uganda’s past seven games, and in six of last eight for Senegal. The latter’s superiority when it comes to consistency (winning 8 of last 9 internationals), as well as boasting superior quality in most areas of the pitch, makes Senegal very difficult to oppose though. Considering both sides propensity for low scoring games, odds of 8/5 on a Senegal victory and Under 2.5 Goals has some appeal.

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* All mentioned odds were valid at the time of writing. Betting odds are subject to fluctuations. Please check the current odds with the respective bookmaker!